Undiscovered Maine

What is the difference between sustainability and conservation?

“Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Conservation is the protection of plants, animals, natural areas, and important structures and buildings from the damaging effects of human activity.”   

• The Aroostook River region includes the river, several islands throughout meandering channel, and floodplains
• Unique combination of natural (marine) ecosystem communities and wildlife habitats and rare animal species and plants
• Click here to see a map of Fort Fairfield Water Resources & Riparian Habitats Water Resources & Riparian Habitats. Note: Riparian habitats are “lands that occur along the edges of rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Examples include streambanks, riverbanks, and flood plains. They’re different from the surrounding uplands because their soils and vegetation are shaped by the presence of water.”
• Click here to see a map of Fort Fairfield High Value Plant & Animal Habitats. 

• Rare Animals in Region:
  • Bald Eagle
  • Upland Sandpiper (Threatened)
  • Pygmy Snaketail (Special Concern)
  • Wood Turtle (Special Concern)
  • Mystery Vertigo (Special Concern)
• Rare Natural Communities in Region:
  • Rivershore Outcrop (Rare in Maine)
  • Circumneutral Pond (Imperiled in Maine)
  • Riverside Seep (Imperiled in Maine)

• Rare Natural Communities in Region:
  • Rivershore Outcrop (Rare in Maine)
  • Circumneutral Pond (Imperiled in Maine)
  • Riverside Seep (Imperiled in Maine) 

• Wildlife Habitats in Region:
  • Inland Wading Bird Habitat
  • Waterfowl Habitat

Impact of the SEED model

• SEED model provides framework for remote rural communities to work collaboratively with government agencies, businesses, non-profits
• Helps communities develop and maintain healthy, sustainable, and thriving economies
• Model applied to outdoor recreation and other (related) industries
• Serves as avenue for sustainable economic development
• Goal: develop sustainable ecosystems

• Small communities create and maintain healthy economies by using collaborative ecosystem approach
• Bringing stakeholders into ecosystem who have knowledge, resources, and expertise
• Synergistic value creation results in sustainable healthy communities

• Sustainability theories: ‘triple bottom line,’ ‘3Ps’ (people, planet, profit), sustainability pyramid/dimensions (environmental, social, economic)
• SEED model assumes confluence of critical stakeholders, including state agencies, for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and communities
• Goal: create sustainable ecosystems with project champion as focal point
• Stakeholders bring knowledge, resources, and expertise to create synergies needed for sustainable, vibrant communities
• Provide value to constituents, visitors, businesses, etc. in ecosystem

• Sustainable practices require comprehensive collaboration and partnership among all stakeholders
• Needed: holistic approach/ perspective + interdisciplinarity

Economic Services Provided by the Area

• Attracts (nature-based) tourism for wildlife observation (e.g., bird watching), paddling, hunting, and angling
• Contributes to recreational value of area by protecting water quality, fisheries, and wildlife habitats
• Conveys floodwaters
• Offers educational opportunities (especially in combination with learning about history and culture of local Amish community)
• Provides recreational boating and fishing
• Provides scenic views

Ecological Services Provided by Area

• Export of nutrients and minerals
• Provision of environmental connectivity
• Provision of habitat for area-sensitive/rare species
• Provision of habitat for rare animals and plants and natural communities/ecosystems
• Support of regional biodiversity (and environmental sustainability)

Click here to see the Fort Fairfield map of Undeveloped Habitat Blocks & Conserved Lands